

HCL AppScan and Qualys Web Application Scanning both operate in the web application security domain. While HCL AppScan shines in its integration capabilities within the SDLC, Qualys distinguishes itself with scalability and comprehensive cloud features, giving it a slight advantage in environments that require flexibility and massive scalability.
Features: HCL AppScan provides AI-enhanced scanning features, comprehensive language support, and is integrated seamlessly into the SDLC, particularly advantageous during the coding phase. It offers high accuracy with low false-positive rates, making it reliable for developers. On the other hand, Qualys Web Application Scanning emphasizes comprehensive scanning capabilities, robust patch management, and user-friendly reporting. It is particularly effective in cloud environments, offering enhanced scalability and security convergence.
Room for Improvement: HCL AppScan faces challenges with occasional false positives, integration complexity, and a need for improved user support and broader language coverage. It also has room for enhancement in its pricing structure and overall user-friendliness. Qualys Web Application Scanning could benefit from an improved UI, refined pricing model, and better handling of false positives in authenticated scans. Additionally, it requires enhanced crawling capabilities and integration with third-party tools.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: HCL AppScan is generally deployed on-premises, with varying feedback on its technical support, though some improvements have been noted post-transition from IBM to HCL. Qualys provides a more flexible hybrid, private, and public cloud deployment, yet some customers report limited technical support availability. Despite similar deployment ranges, Qualys benefits from its well-established cloud-based offerings.
Pricing and ROI: HCL AppScan is considered expensive but offers substantial ROI through vulnerability reductions and cost savings in certain regions like Brazil, suitable for large organizations seeking thorough benefits. Qualys Web Application Scanning also comes with a high price tag, featuring flexible yet costly licensing. It is advantageous for bulk purchases but poses a higher cost barrier for smaller enterprises. Both solutions are capable of driving significant ROI transformations within their respective security environments.
Veracode provides excellent assistance and regularly scheduled calls to address customer concerns and updates.
There is still room for improvement when it comes to the speed of response.
They have various options in the vulnerability management process, and when we initially bought our license, we didn't realize we needed PCI for better results, which isn't included in the default configurations.
I have dealt with Qualys's technical support, and any enhancements are challenging.
Once we purchase the license, we have access to top-notch support.
It produces similar vulnerability results as other tools such as Nessus based on version checks instead of real impact checks.
It is licensed for assets, so we just contact the team for additional licenses if needed.
At one point, there was a limitation on reporting for 100,000 assets at a time.
Since we've been using HCL AppScan for about three months, we really have not encountered a false positive.
Currently, you can find out the components belonging to a specific software, but if detailed reporting became available, you would be in a better position to identify vulnerabilities.
Qualys Web Application Scanning does IP-level testing, requiring direct input of credentials, and can only scan a few pages to provide known generic vulnerabilities.
With the growing reliance on AI, Qualys Web Application Scanning should be updated to handle AI-based applications and LLM-based attacks.
I would like it to be cheaper because it is a bit expensive compared to competitors like Tenable Nessus.
Companies often choose based on budget constraints, with Veracode being on the higher end cost-wise.
They offer discounts on bulk licenses, making it cheaper compared to competitors like Veracode DAST.
I find it a bit expensive compared to other competitors.
Regarding pricing, I think for personal use, it is costly, but if organizations are ready to pay, then it is fine as they are using it.
We were able to identify security issues such as certificate-related issues, authentication-related issues, and weak encryption-related issues.
AppScan's most valuable features include its ability to identify vulnerabilities accurately, provide detailed remediation steps, and the newly introduced AI-powered features that enhance its functionality further.
It effectively detects vulnerabilities like the OWASP Top 10 without any issues in reporting.
The product helps by providing options for remediating vulnerabilities it finds, making it really useful.
The advantage of Qualys Web Application Scanning lies in its user-friendly dashboard and appealing reports, which are useful for presentation to leadership.
| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| Qualys Web Application Scanning | 1.7% |
| HCL AppScan | 2.3% |
| Other | 96.0% |


| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 14 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 6 |
| Large Enterprise | 31 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 8 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 6 |
| Large Enterprise | 27 |
HCL AppScan offers quick vulnerability detection with effective SDLC integration and is known for its user-friendly interface and seamless security integration.
HCL AppScan provides dynamic and static scanning to identify vulnerabilities like XSS and SQL injection. It integrates well into CI/CD pipelines, supports multiple languages, and offers web and dynamic scanning, helping businesses ensure security across development lifecycles. Users benefit from API coverage, Postman integration, and its ability to function in cloud and on-premise environments, facilitating a shift from DevOps to DevSecOps practices.
What features define HCL AppScan?HCL AppScan is leveraged in sectors requiring rigorous security checks, such as finance and healthcare, where it conducts comprehensive scans and offers insights into potential vulnerabilities. Its robust scanning capabilities aid companies in maintaining compliance and security standards.
Qualys Web Application Scanning offers advanced vulnerability management, progressive scheduling, and seamless integration with DevOps environments. Its user-friendly design enables enterprises to enhance security with comprehensive scanning and detailed forensic insights.
Qualys Web Application Scanning addresses enterprise-level security challenges by providing robust solutions for vulnerability management, penetration testing, and compliance checks. While easing the navigation process, it supports risk mitigation with precise risk ratings, minimal false positives, and detailed reporting. However, it faces challenges with its complex interface, authenticated scanning, and automation features. Integrating smoothly with CI/CD pipelines, it is suitable for continuous and automated scanning, adapting to diverse company requirements.
What are the standout features of Qualys Web Application Scanning?Organizations across sectors like education, banking, and international data centers leverage Qualys Web Application Scanning for conducting penetration testing, scanning web applications, and managing vulnerabilities. It aids in audit security and compliance, identifying threats, and generating user-friendly reports, making it a valuable asset for maintaining strong security postures.
We monitor all Application Security Tools reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.